How to prevent mind-wandering during an EVA ? Presentation of a mind-wandering detection method using ECG technology in a Mars-analog environment

摘要

The purpose of this study is to detect mind-wandering in an EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity) context during a long supervision task. Detection is realized using an electro-cardiogram, actually one of the most effective means to detect cognitive events thanks to measures of heart rate variability. Experienced by everyone, mind-wandering depicts the state of mind where thoughts are not related to the current action. Its deleterious aspect regarding performance suggests a need to take mind wandering seriously as an impediment to manned space missions safety. Previous research confirmed the hypothesis according to which several physiological responses can be used to track down mind-wandering : among them, ECG recordings are both easy to obtain and analyze, statistically related to mind-wandering, and easy to record during extra-vehicular activities. Data have been recorded during a Mars-analog mission (MDRS 164), from February 20 to March 6 at the Mars Desert Research Station (Utah). During various cognitive tasks, the subject had his ECG and awareness levels monitored at the same time to see if the correlation between these two measures, established in previous research, can be replicated in a Mars-mission environment. At different time intervals, probes interrupted the subject to inquire about his thoughts. Heart Rate Variability (HRV, which power in high frequencies is related to the parasympathetic system and mind wandering) was then computed from recorded data, and its statistical changes during on-task and off-task thoughts was assessed. Although data revealed no significant differences nor coherent trends in HRV-related metrics between the two conditions, results are paving the way towards a promising use of ECG-recordings as a qualitative index of the subject's cognitive load that can be used to monitor his performances during trainings, missions and debriefing.